34th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Landstorm Nederland

The 34th SS Volunteer Grenadier Division Landstorm Nederland was a Waffen-SS division of Nazi Germany that was active from 12 March 1943 to 5 May 1945. The unit was formed when the SS Volunteer Brigade Landstorm Nederland, composed of Dutch volunteers, was converted into a division. The division saw action on the Western Front, but its strength never reached more than a brigade. In September 1944, the division was sent to defend the Albert Canal and Belgium, and it was forced to retreat after fierce fighting. The division fought at the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and it was later sent to hold defensive positions along the Rhine and Waal Rivers. From February to May 1945, the division resisted the Western Allies, but morale dwindled and numerous members deserted. On 5 May 1945, divisional commander Martin Kohlroser surrendered to the British 49th Infantry Division at Oosterbeek in the Netherlands, and its survivors were treated as collaborators, with some being killed in revenge attacks.